Collins departs for Wolves after one year at Burnley
On 24th June last year, Burnley opened their summer transfer window with the capture of Stoke City central defender Nathan Collins, but his stay at Turf Moor has been just over a year and today he’s been sold to Wolves to give him a return to the Premier League. He’s signed a five year deal with Wolves with an option for a further year.
Collins said at the time of his move to Burnley that he wanted to play in big games; that he wanted to test himself at the top level of the game having played all his football previously for Stoke. He played in all our League Cup ties but got his Premier League opportunity when Ben Mee was ruled out of the home game against Norwich.
He played in three games during October and then two more in four days at the beginning of December. He played alongside Mee at Wolves with James Tarkowski injured and then kept his place at Newcastle with Mee missing.
In March, he came on for the injured Mee just before half time against Leicester. Mee wouldn’t play for us again and Collins played all the remaining games, mostly in the centre of defence in a back four, but also in a five and then, against Newcastle on the final day of the season, at right back.
Although he made his mistakes, as you would expect for a young player, he generally fared exceptionally well and Burnley fans were relaxed that he would go on to have a regular place with Tarkowski’s departure. He even added a couple of goals, scoring the first in the 3-2 home win against Everton and then the second as we beat Southampton in the very next home game.
While at Burnley, he’s won a place in the Republic of Ireland squad and leaves us having played six times at full international level for his country.
Wolves’ technical director Scott Sellars said: ““We’ve looked at Nathan for a while and admired him, so we’re delighted to bring him to the football club. He’s a very talented young man, he’s only 21, has played international football and had a good season last year with Burnley. We think we’ve signed a player with a lot of potential, as well as being a very good footballer now.
“We’re getting someone who is physically very good, very tall, very athletic, and is very comfortable on the ball. He can step in and take the ball forward, which is what we need. He’s very good in both boxes and has real aerial strength. The feedback on his personality is about his leadership qualities, he’s a good character, so he ticks all the boxes. He comes across as expected, a humble young man who is appreciative of the opportunity, so we’re all going to be very happy.”
He’s now followed Tarky and Mee out of the club and signed a long term deal with Wolves and I’m sure he leaves with our best wishes.
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